Most rear end collisions are caused by tailgating. To avoid tailgating, use the “three-second rule”: when the vehicle ahead of you passes a certain point such as a sign, count “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three.” Counting these numbers takes approximately three seconds. If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely.
SCHOOL AHEAD. The shape of a pentagon is reserved for school signs. This five-sided sign means you are near a school. Watch for children.
Yield the right of way to any emergency vehicle, making sure you are not creating a hazard for other drivers and not blocking the way. Drive to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle(s) have passed. However, never stop in an intersection. If you are in an intersection when you see an emergency vehicle, continue through the intersection and then, drive to the right as soon as it is safe and stop.
At speeds of up to 35 miles per hour on wet roads, most modern tires are designed to channel water away from the road to maintain contact with the road's surface. However, when traveling through deeper water at higher speeds, the channeling action of the tires becomes less effective, and the tires begin to ride on a layer of water like water skis rather than channeling the water. This phenomenon is known as "hydroplaning." You may lose control of both the brakes and the steering. Ensure your tires have enough tread and reduce your speed to avoid hydroplaning by taking these preventative measures.
Do not drive on a sidewalk, except to cross it to enter or exit a driveway or alley. When crossing, yield to all pedestrians.
They were driving under the influence of drowsiness or decreased alertness caused by certain prescription medications or even certain over-the-counter medications that can be dangerous. If you are uncertain about the effects of a specific drug, it is best to consult the warning label and your pharmacist or your physician. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Alaska, but so is driving under the influence of any controlled substance. Some narcotics, tranquilizers, stimulants, hallucinogens, and even anabolic steroids are included on the most recent list of substances that are considered to be controlled.
When you're out in the open country, and there aren't any other vehicles around, you must keep your high beams on. (The state of Alaska requires that whenever you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or within 300 feet of a car that you are following, you must turn your headlights down to their lowest setting and use the low beam.) However, even with high beams, your field of vision won't be nearly as expansive as it is during the daytime. As a result, you should continue to reduce your speed when driving at night.
Even if there is a traffic jam, you are not allowed to exit a freeway by using the entrance ramp or an acceleration lane.
Whenever there is a traffic signal blackout, proceed cautiously as if the intersection is controlled by “STOP” signs in all directions.
Guide signs, also known as destination signs, are green with white letters. Guide signs provide information about intersecting roads, help direct you to cities and towns, and show points of interest along the highway.
Signal your intention to change lanes, get ready to pass another vehicle or enter traffic, and check your mirrors to see if there is any oncoming traffic before making the change. Once you have determined that the conditions are safe for the maneuver, you should check the blind spots of your vehicle by looking behind you in the direction of the plot while looking over your shoulder.
Roundabouts are typically intended for speeds of approximately 15–20 miles per hour, as stated in the State of Alaska Driver Manual.
Eating, drinking and smoking are big distractions when it comes to driving. These all create safety problems because they often require you to take your hands off of the wheel and take your eyes off of the road. Drivers who eat or drink while driving have trouble controlling their vehicle, staying in their lane and have to brake more often.
When a vehicle passes you, you can help the passing driver by keeping to the far side of your lane. You’ll make it easier for the other driver if you reduce speed slightly. In any event, don’t speed up while the vehicle is passing. After passing, the other driver will signal to let you know that the car will be returning to your lane.
A green arrow means “GO.” You must turn in the direction the arrow is pointing after you yield to any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian still in the intersection. The green arrow allows you to make a “protected” turn. Oncoming vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians are stopped by a red light as long as the green arrow is lighted.
The driver of the vehicle that is being passed is not allowed to pick up the pace until the passing maneuver is finished.
